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Saturday, August 20, 2011

The Spirit of the Ocean - Te Mana O Te Moana.

Not too long ago I visited the Auckland Museum in New Zealand - and was impressed to see the Polynesian Section dedicated to the Vaka, Ocean faring warriors, navigational tools, and a host of other very pertinent aspects - displayed.

Earlier some thirty years ago - KON-TIKI and other such novels impressed me some.

The recent travels of the VAKAS from New Zealand to San Francisco and beyond - impressed me the most. I am following the journey and watching the footage I get - carefully.

New Zealand aka (Aotearoa), Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga right now are participants - in this venture to travel long distances - build the Vakas - much as the Ancestors did for thousands of years.

These Vakas have incorporated designs to accommodate some of the latest technology and utilities such Global Positioning Devices, natural gas to cook, radios, modern ropes and gears, safety equipment and the like.

Interesting are the designs of the Vaka itself - a fusion of the ancient - from the many drawings and artifacts available and of course contemporary and modern - sailing.

Initially at every sovereign island the Vakas visited - there was a rainbow welcoming them.

Also, as they approached some islands - whales came near by and I saw in the movies that I watched - the MANA manifest itself.

That is what it is - and that is what I wanted to see manifest - the MANA.

The Spirit of the Sea - that the White Man has destroyed because of Greed and lack of Spirituality.

It was not uncommon thousands of years ago - for those daring sea faring warriors to sing and pray - and be guided by the "Te Man O Te Moana" - the spirit of the Oceans.

They looked to the SKY and on it was mapped the direction - they could follow. The celestial map that they knew by heart. The clearer the sky - the clearer the map - showing them exactly where they wished to go.

On there return home - they had the journey mapped, complete with landmarks, the food available, destinations where they could refuel, and so many stories and many of them in - songs.

I am not Polynesian but my love for the Ocean - the Mother of all LIFE - is deep.

I have befriended the Polynesian People and have too many friends that are too dear to me.

I was been on the Ocean Blue - both Indian and Pacific - and know how the respect - that which can turn on you - in an instant.

Human as we are - we are at the mercy of Mother Nature and some very powerful forces. If you can respect Mother Nature - you could be spared but if you are haughty - then God be with you.

The Polynesians are a loving people and my relationship has been deep with those I have made contact with.

Here is San Francisco, in Los Angeles, in Alaska, in Samoa, in New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and other places in lesser numbers.

I have written some about the Polynesian and did write about this unique voyage - some months ago.

Now that I see the real footage - some of it happening right here in the Bay Area - it fills my old heart with joy.

After spending some days in San Francisco, the Vakas proceeded to Monterey, and just yesterday - left to fulfill the rest of there journey: